Abstract

We propose switchable zero-index metamaterials (ZIMs) implemented by split ring resonators (SRRs) loaded with positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) diode switching elements. We demonstrate that ZIMs can be achieved at around 10 GHz when the PIN diode is switched off. When the PIN diode is switched on, however, the designed metamaterials have impedance matching to the free space, which is useful to reduce the reflections at the interface of two media. The switchable ZIMs are suitable for a wide variety of applications like the beam forming and directive radiation. Experimental results validate the switching ability of the proposed ZIMs.

Motivated by the realization of the Dirac point (DP) with a double-cone structure for optical field in the negative-zero-positive index metamaterial (NZPIM), the reflection, transmission, and Goos-Haenchen (GH) shifts inside the NZPIM slab are investigated. Due to the linear Dirac dispersion, the transmission as the function of the frequency has a gap, thus, the corresponding reflection has a frequency or wavelength window for the perfect reflection, which is similar to the Bragg reflection in the one-dimensional photonic crystals. Near the DP, the associated GH shifts in the transmission and reflection can be changed from positive to negative with increasing themore » wavelength. These negative and positive shifts can also be enhanced by transmission resonances when the frequency is far from that at the DP. All these phenomena will lead to some potential applications in the integrated optics and optical devices.« less

We make theoretical investigations of the nonlinear guided modes near the Dirac point (DP) in nonlinear negative-zero-positive index metamaterial (NZPIM) waveguide. When the nonlinearity is self-focusing, an asymmetric forbidden band exists near the DP that can be modulated by the strength of the nonlinearity. However, the self-defocusing nonlinearity can completely eliminate the asymmetric band gap. We also study the nonlinear surface waves in such nonlinear NZPIM waveguide. These results may predict analogous phenomena in nonlinear graphene.

In this work, we study the electrodynamics of metamaterials that consist of resonant non-magnetic inclusions embedded in an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) host medium. It is shown that the inclusions can be designed in such a way that both the effective permittivity and permeability of the composite structure are simultaneously zero. Two different metamaterial configurations are studied and analyzed in detail. For a particular class of problems, it is analytically proven that such matched zero-index metamaterials may help improving the transmission through a waveguide bend, and that the scattering parameters may be completely independent of the specific arrangement of the inclusions andmore » of the granularity of the crystal. The proposed concepts are numerically demonstrated at microwaves with a metamaterial realistic realization based on an artificial plasma.« less

In this Letter, we find that high efficient unidirectional transmission occurs for an array of prisms made of zero-refractive-index metamaterials. As a specific demonstration, we further design the device using Dirac-cone-like photonic crystals. The device can function for a broadband of spectrum. Numerical simulations are performed to verify the one-way wave functionality.

This paper theoretically investigates the reflective properties of splitting and squeezing devices based on a zero-index metamaterial (ZIM) waveguide embedded with defects. This structure can guarantee no reflections, making it possible to build reflectionless splitters and squeezers. Moreover, the proposed theory has been used to couple input and output waveguides with different cross sections and to achieve an arbitrary angle of exotic transmission. The proposed defect structure can offer potential advances in cloaking, splitting, and squeezing technologies without restricting the object’s shape. Active control of exotic transmission can occur by incorporating tunable parameters into the defects and the ZIM.